LED emergency lights illuminate escape routes, corridors, and stairwells when mains power fails. Unlike exit lights — which mark the location of exits — emergency lights provide the illumination needed to navigate safely through a building during an evacuation. Under the National Construction Code (NCC) and AS/NZS 2293, emergency lighting is mandatory in commercial, industrial, and multi-residential buildings.
Our emergency light range covers batten lights, oyster lights, surface mount, recessed, and weatherproof models — in both budget NiCad and premium LiFePO4 battery options. All models comply with AS/NZS 2293.3.
Choosing the Right Emergency Light
Battery Type
Battery type determines long-term reliability and maintenance cost:
- NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium): Entry-level battery technology — reliable and cost-effective for standard commercial applications. 2-year warranty on NiCad models. Found in our batten and multi-fit range.
- LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Premium battery chemistry with longer cycle life, faster recharge, and sustained performance across the full battery lifespan. Recommended for new installations, high-use locations, or where long service intervals between maintenance visits are required. Found in our D40, oyster, blade, and weatherproof models.
Light Type
- Emergency batten (2FT / 4FT): Fluorescent tube replacement for commercial and industrial ceilings. Available in bare, diffused, and vandal-proof guard configurations. NiCad battery. Suited to warehouses, stairwells, and utility areas.
- Surface mount / recessed (D40): Compact round emergency light for office, retail, and commercial fitouts. Available in standard white and black finish. LiFePO4 battery.
- Oyster light: Ceiling-mounted with a wide beam pattern — ideal for open-plan spaces and corridors. Available with microwave motion sensor for energy saving during normal operation. LiFePO4 battery.
- Weatherproof batten (IP65): Sealed for outdoor areas, car parks, loading docks, and industrial environments. Available in tri-colour and sensor variants. LiFePO4 battery.
- Weatherproof floodlight (IP65): High-output emergency floodlight for large outdoor areas, loading docks, and plant rooms. LiFePO4 battery.
Colour
Standard models are white. Black finish options are available across the D40 surface mount and recessed range — suited to commercial fitouts with dark ceilings or premium interior finishes.
IP Rating
For indoor dry areas, no IP rating is required. For outdoor use, car parks, or industrial environments, choose IP65 (dust-tight, protected against water jets) or IP65 weatherproof batten and floodlight models.
Compliance & Installation
Emergency lighting must comply with AS/NZS 2293.1 (design and installation) and AS/NZS 2293.3 (product requirements). Emergency lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician. Testing and ongoing maintenance must be carried out by a licensed electrician or licensed technician in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an emergency light and an exit light?
An exit light marks the location of an emergency exit — it displays the green running man symbol. An emergency light illuminates the path to that exit. Buildings typically need both: exit lights at every exit and emergency lights along the evacuation route. Some combination units provide both functions in a single fitting.
Do I need a licensed electrician to install emergency lights?
Yes — emergency lighting must be installed by a licensed electrician. Testing and ongoing maintenance must be carried out by a licensed electrician or licensed technician in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2.
What is the difference between NiCad and LiFePO4 emergency lights?
NiCad is the standard battery type — reliable and cost-effective for most applications with a 2-year warranty. LiFePO4 is premium chemistry with a significantly longer cycle life, better sustained performance, and lower long-term maintenance cost. For new installations or buildings with longer intervals between maintenance visits, LiFePO4 models offer a better return on investment over the life of the fitting.
How long must emergency lights stay illuminated when power fails?
AS/NZS 2293 requires emergency lighting to provide a minimum of 90 minutes illumination after mains power failure. All models in our range meet this requirement.
Which emergency light is best for outdoor or industrial use?
Choose an IP65 rated model — our weatherproof batten, weatherproof floodlight, or weatherproof surface mount lights. These are sealed against dust and water jets, suitable for car parks, loading docks, outdoor walkways, and industrial plant rooms. All IP65 models use LiFePO4 batteries for reliability in demanding environments.
